The Supreme Court - Family Division

Justices of the Court

Judges who sit in the Supreme Court Family Divsion are appointed by the Federal Government. They are known as "Justices".

They are usually assigned to
a particular geographic area (primarily in the Halifax Regional Municipality and in Cape Breton ).

However, each Justice has jurisdiction to
hold proceedings throughout the Province.

"Supernumerary" Judges

A supernumerary Judge is essentially a part-time Judge. For more information on eligibility and the responsibilities of a supernumerary Judge, please refer to the federal JUDGES ACT >>

Make-up of the Court

In addition to the Family Division, the Supreme Court also has a "general" or "trial" division. However, the terms "general" and "trial" are rarely used anymore. The two divisions are known as the "Supreme Court" and the "Supreme Court Family Division".

The Chief Justice administers both divisions, assisted by two Associate Chief Justices - one for each division. There is also a variable number of full-time and "supernumerary" Justices on the Court.

Upon appointment, the Justices of the Supreme Court are also ex officio members of the Court of Appeal and can be called upon to act as appellate judges when necessary.

Justices of the Supreme Court, other than those who regularly preside in the Family Division, also preside over family law matters. They deal with divorce and the division of mantrimonial property in the areas of the Province outside the Halifax Regional Municipality outside of Cape Breton.

To learn more about the differences between
the Family Court and the Supreme Court Family Division CLICK HERE >>

For more information about the Justices of the Supreme Court Family Divsion,
including the appointment process and how to address them in CourtCLICK HERE >>

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